SALT LAKE CITY — Carpe diem (it means Seize the Day). It is with deep sadness we grieve the passing of our Sue. With grace, tenacity and an unyielding optimism, she fought to remain with the people she loved and the life she so enjoyed. Without complaint, she battled leiomyosarcoma with all her might for over eight years. Complications from kidney failure eventually finalized her mortal life. She slipped from the earthly embrace of family and friends peacefully and quietly on August 1, 2014, at the age of 61.

Susan Fitts Martin was born on May 25, 1953, in Barre, Vermont. She was the daughter of Homer and Elsie Fitts. She was one of three children. Joe’s Pond in Northeastern Vermont was her first love and she found time to return to her beloved home every year. She was a graduate of the University of Vermont with an RN degree in nursing. She worked as a nurse in Vermont and ultimately moved to Utah to follow an unselfish dream. She found endearing, long-standing love, support and happiness with her husband, Eric Martin. They were the proud and loving parents of two children, Kallie and Kipp. They received her utmost love and commitment; they were lights in her life, even in her darkest moments.

Sue was not an ordinary person. She was exceptional; her upbeat personality, wisdom and strength of character made her a pleasure to be around. She possessed a powerful combination of competence and compassion. She enjoyed the sunshine, gardening, traveling, hiking, skiing, woodworking, reading and all of life’s little joys. Her day-to-day life was a gift. She was everybody’s friend and truly never met a stranger. Our good friend, Peter Novak, once commented that Sue could turn lemons into lemonade; how apropos. She worked at St. Mark’s Hospital for over 30 years and received the 2013 Humanitarian of the Year Award. Each of us have walked away better for having known her.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the many people who have loved and supported us through this long journey. Your acts of kindness were remarkable and appreciated. There are too many of you to name, but we are sure you know who you are. In particular, a genuine thanks to the physicians and medical personnel who extended Sue’s time with us.

A very, very special thank-you to our children, Kallie and Kipp, and dear friends, Anita and John Morelli and Lynette Ellsworth, for their love, compassion, kindness, and being pillars of strength during this very difficult time.

Sue loved life and she loved people. It is her legacy. She inspired us, she reminded us every day that life is sacred and we should be thankful. And that smile ... she had the world’s greatest smile.

Sue is survived by her husband, Eric; her children, Kallie and Kipp, of Salt Lake City, Utah; father Homer (Margaret); brother Doug; sister Ellen (Cliff) Cooper; nieces and nephews Karen and Michael (and their mother, Jeannie) and David and Jeffrey.

She was predeceased by her mother, Elsie.

At Sue’s request, there will not be a service, but we would like you all to join us for a celebration of Sue’s life on Monday, August 11, 2014, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Heritage Gardens, 2050 East Creek Road, Sandy, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, hug your loved ones and if you like, make a donation to your favorite charity.

Arrangements entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. Online condolences may be offered at www.starksfuneral.com.